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Before barges start moving, crews head out to measure Lake Pepin ice

Before barges start moving, crews head out to measure Lake Pepin ice

Each February, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers starts sending crews out onto the frozen Mississippi River at Lake Pepin to take ice measurements. The information helps determine when towboats and barges can start the navigation season.
by Alex Haddon

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Owl ‘irruption’ brings joy for birders, concerns for owls in northeast Minnesota

Owl ‘irruption’ brings joy for birders, concerns for owls in northeast Minnesota

An uncommon owl “irruption” has brought large numbers of owls to northeast Minnesota, and also brought a ton of tourists and birders flocking to see them. Several owls have been killed and injured by vehicles.
by Dan Kraker

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Photos: Landing on a frozen Minnesota lake? These Forest Service pilots are cool with it

Photos: Landing on a frozen Minnesota lake? These Forest Service pilots are cool with it

Snow and ice aren’t ideal conditions to take off or land an airplane, but they’re business as usual for pilots who fly through the winter out of the U.S. Forest Service seaplane base in Ely — the only Forest Service seaplane base in the country. 
by Erica Dischino

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For Duluth area ultra runner Michael Koppy, age is irrelevant

For Duluth area ultra runner Michael Koppy, age is irrelevant

At 74, Hermantown ultra-athlete Michael Koppy is aiming to become the oldest runner ever to finish the Arrowhead 135 — a grueling race, longer than five marathons back-to-back, across northern Minnesota through the dead of night, often in subzero temperatures.
by Dan Kraker

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Photos: Sculptures from artists in Stillwater for the World Snow Sculpting Championship

Photos: Sculptures from artists in Stillwater for the World Snow Sculpting Championship

Twelve teams from around the world finished their chiseling and carving on Saturday, where they on the banks of the St. Croix River since Wednesday. Team Mongolia, also known as Team Falcon, won with their sculpture titled “Voice.”
by MPR News Staff

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The first full moon of 2025 is here

The first full moon of 2025 is here

This moon phase is nicknamed the Wolf Moon, which is rooted in Native American culture.
by Ayana Archie

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Perfect ice conditions draw skaters to Twin Cities lakes

Perfect ice conditions draw skaters to Twin Cities lakes

During the dry cold snap, lakes in the Twin Cities and around the state turned mirror-like with smooth surfaces of clear ice. Consistent cold temperatures, calm conditions and a lack of snow created perfectly natural ice skating venues.
by Erica Zurek

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